Alright, I grew up here but left for a while. Poverty rate is 4.0%, which is pretty low. You can expect to pay around $2,324 for rent here. Household incomes average around $116,794 in Lakewood. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The suburbs are where most families end up. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The city has invested a lot in new development. The weather takes some getting used to. The suburbs are where most families end up. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The suburbs are where most families end up. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
23 upvotes
3 Replies
Luke Harris
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 3 years ago from Boston and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Pine Hills. It's excellent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in hospitality. If you're in marketing you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 7 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: challenging. Tons of options if you like Asian.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
40 upvotes
Gabriel Rogers
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 46, moved here 8 years ago from Charlotte. I've lived in Old Town and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
3. Strong job market in several industries
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The safety situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for young professionals. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- West: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Charlotte, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $60K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
35 upvotes
Joseph Scott
I'm a project manager and I've found it exceeded my expectations. The community is hit or miss and there's always something going on.
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